Sytra

Transition of food systems

All publications of type Report

Publication of March 20th 2025

Production systems

Research priorities for the diversification of cropping systems

A review of the research outcomes from nine EU-funded projects identifies barriers to its adoption and suggests 17 priorities to overcome current challenges and contribute to supporting an agroecological transition.

Cereals sector Protein crops

Protein transition Agroecology Crop diversification

Authors

Clémentine Antier

Publication of February 28th 2025

Production systems

Seeds systems and varietal choices in organic vegetable production

A case study on seed systems in the vegetable organic sector, regarding small-scale farming in the French Alps. This research examines how the economic, technical, educational and social context influences the choices of farmers when choosing varieties and seeds.

Vegetable sector

Seeds Agroecology Crop diversification Organic farming

Authors

Clémentine Antier Philippe Baret

Publication of February 25th 2025

Food value chains

Identification of Good Food Value Chains

Sytra has carried out a study identifying key Good Food value chains for the Brussels-Capital Region. Results: Cereals, fruit, vegetables and plant proteins will be the focus of particular activities in strategy the Good Food 2.

Vegetable sector Fruit sector Cereals sector Protein crops

Policy recommendations

Authors

Publication of October 22nd 2024

Transition pathways

Toward a resilient food supply of Brussels Capital region: possible scenarios based on a barriers analysis and an explorative prospective approach

Brussels Food 2050 (BruFo2050), is an explorative prospective research project that gathers two teams: Sytra from UCLouvain and Sfere, from KULeuven. This three-years long project aims at diving into the analysis and understanding of the Brussels food supply system.

Vegetable sector Cereals sector Potato sector Dairy sector Beef meat sector

Sustainability indicators

Prospective scenarios Lock-in Policy recommendations Participatory approach

Authors

Caroline Amrom Hannelore Deschaepmeester

Publication of September 3rd 2024

Production systems

Effects of aerated compost teas in agriculture

Short brochure presenting the results of a literature review on aerated compost teas and their effects in agriculture.

Pesticides Inputs Organic farming

Literature review

Authors

Céline Chevalier Philippe Baret

Publication of May 14th 2024

Transition pathways

Financing the agro-ecological transition of food systems in the Walloon region

Establishment of a reference framework for assessing the political and economic framework for the agro-ecological transition of agricultural and food systems in the Walloon Region

Levers Policy recommendations

Wallonia Belgium

Authors

Caroline Amrom Anne-Maud Courtois Quentin Vandersteen Philippe Baret

Publication of May 8th 2024

Transition pathways

Scenarios and case studies for a sustainable transition of the Belgian food system

Study for WWF Belgium proposing two scenarios for the future of the Belgian food system

Vegetable sector Fruit sector Cereals sector Protein crops Potato sector Beetroot sector Eggs sector Dairy sector Beef meat sector Pig meat sector Poultry meat sector Meadows and pasture

Protein transition Sustainability indicators Crop diversification Organic farming

Prospective scenarios

Authors

Quentin Vandersteen Anton Riera Noé Vandevoorde Philippe Baret Louis Tessier

Publication of April 24th 2024

Transition pathways

Payment schemes for environmental services by farming

Project aiming to clarify the theoretical concepts and best practices regarding payment schemes that reward farmers for environmental services. Project funded by the Walloon Public Service (SPW) as part of the Terraé action plan.

Climate change Biodiversity Sustainability indicators

Environmental footprint Policy recommendations

Wallonia Europe

Authors

Anton Riera Philippe Baret Charles Vander Linden

Publication of March 11th 2024

Transition pathways

Alignment and coordination strategies for crop diversification

The development of crop diversification systems requires a high level of coordination of material flows and strategies. We highlight the diversity of crop diversification value chains and point levers to enhance the alignment and coordination of crop diversification processes.

Cereals sector Protein crops

Authors

Hind Dib Clémentine Antier Philippe Baret

Publication of February 2nd 2024

Food value chains

Redefining the value of food – A EU policy review

How effective are current European policies in addressing negative externalities generated along our food value chains ? This papers delves into the reported impacts of EU agrifood policies that directly affect agricultural producers.

Literature review Cost-benefit analysis Policy recommendations

Authors

Anne-Maud Courtois Diana Borniotto

Publication of November 25th 2024

Production systems

Identification of barriers to the use of intercropping in 12 European case studies

In the context of the IntercropVALUES project, barriers to the use of intercropping were identified in 12 european case studies, considering the whole value chain. The results of this identification and analysis are compiled in a public report.

Vegetable sector Cereals sector

Agroecology Crop diversification

Authors

Céline Chevalier Philippe Baret Claire Morelle (IFOAM Organics Europe), Eric Justes (CIRAD)

Publication of October 1st 2015

Transition pathways

The imbalance in research funding : the case of organic farming in EU.

A report for the European Greens on the funding of organic farming.

Organic farming

Policy recommendations

Authors

Philippe Baret Pascal Marcq, Carolin Mayer, Susanne Padel